This shapefile is a based on the 17" x 21" paper Map titled "Sinkhole Type, Development and Distribution in Florida" also known as Map Series 110 and published 1985 by United States Geological Survey in cooperation with the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation, Bureau of Water Resources Management and Florida Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Geology

The FGS used a modeling technique called Weights of Evidence (WofE) that involves the combination of diverse spatial data to describe and analyze interactions and generate predictive models from which a map of favorability can be produced. The project began with a one year pilot study in Columbia, Hamilton, and Suwannee Counties, during which methodologies were developed in preparation to model the entire state. To train and validate the model, locations of sinkholes were required. Over two-and-a-half-years, field teams traversed the state investigating over 3,600 points of interest (potential sinkholes) and mapped 654 sinkholes. After evaluating fourteen different spatial data types, the three statistically strong spatial data layers were used to model the favorability of the State’s geology to sinkhole formation. The resulting map depicts four classes representing areas where the geology is least favorable to most favorable to sinkhole formation.

Map Direct focus to show Subsidence Incident Reports. Please refer to https://floridadep.gov/fgs/sinkholes for more information. Originally created 02/04/2011, and moved to Map Direct Lite on 03/17/2015 Please contact GIS.Librarian@floridadep.gov for more information.

What is a Subsidence Incident? Sinkholes are closed depressions in areas underlain by soluble rock such as limestone, dolostone, gypsum, or salt. Sinkholes form when surface sediments subside into underground voids created by the dissolving action of groundwater in the underlying bedrock. Other subterranean events can cause holes, depressions or subsidence of the land surface that may mimic sinkhole activity. These include subsurface expansive clay or organic layers which compress as water is removed, collapsed or broken sewer and drain pipes or broken septic tanks, improperly compacted soil after excavation work, and even buried trash, logs and other debris. Commonly, a reported depression is not verified by a licensed professional geologist to be a true sinkhole, and the cause of subsidence is not known. Such an event is called a subsidence incident. The Florida Geological Survey maintains and provides a downloadable database of reported subsidence incidents statewide. While this data may include some true sinkholes, the majority of the incidents have not been field-checked and the cause of subsidence is not verified. For more information - https://floridadep.gov/fgs/sinkholes/content/subsidence-incident-reports

Link to the ScienceBase Item Summary page for the item described by this metadata record. Service Protocol: Link to the ScienceBase Item Summary page for the item described by this metadata record. Application Profile: Web Browser. Link Function: information